Florida Manatees Species Can Live For At Least Next 100 Years

A new study conducted by U.S. Geological Survey and Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, suggest that the Manatees species found in Florida can persist until a century because wildlife managers continue to protect these species and their habitat.

Despite the deaths faced by manatees due to the cold climate, algae bloom, boat collisions and decrease in an ecosystem, these species can survive. These species are mostly found in Florida and Gulf of Mexico.

Considering the prevailing conditions in which the population of manatees is good, the habitat is favorable so these species can survive.

Michael C. Runge the lead author of the study has published their findings in “Status and Threats Analysis for the Florida Manatee 2016.” But the authors say that the threats could emerge and interact in unexpected ways. The Florida manatee is a subspecies of West Indian manatee one of the endangered creature. Also, the population of manatees is expected to double in coming 50 years.

The measure taken to boost the survival of these species are as follows:

To enhance the survival expectancy of these species, the government have taken several steps like regulation of boat speeds and habitat protection.

The count of manatees was 6,620 estimated in the current year which has increased from 1,000 that was present in 1970.

The life expectancy of these species was determined with the help of a scientific model that was designed by USGS scientists.

What is the scientific model based on?

Researchers of the Sirenia Project, located at USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in Gainesville, Florida have examined manatees since 1970. They have captured photos of almost 3,000 species of manatees studying minute details like propeller scars and other markings. The USGS researchers have a database consisting of 750,000 pictures of manatees along with the genetic details and other crucial data.

In near future, these species may suffer a threat to their existence. These threats include massive collision with high-speed water boats, lack of warm water habitat during winters. As this species population does not have a thick layer of fat on their body, low temperatures may cause their death.